Othello+Act+2

Act 2 Othello:
__Plot Summary__ Some weeks later on the scene has moved to the Island of Cyprus. Montano and several others are awaiting Othello's arrival. There has been a heavy storm that has destroyed the Turkish fleet, which means there is no enemy to fight. Othello is still at sea and we are unaware of his safety. Desdemona and Iago's ship arrives in port. Iago tells Roderigo that he needs to kill Cassio as he will stand in the way of winning Desdemona. Othello finally arrives and Iago decides to tell Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona's, so that Iago will be rewarded whilst Cassio will be punished. There is then an announcement that the Turkish threat is over and so they must all celebrate this and Othello’s wedding. Iago convinces Cassio to drink too much, tells Montano that he has a drinking problem and gets Roderigo to attack Cassio. This plan works and Roderigo and Montano are both wounded in the struggle. Othello is awoken and comes to see what has happened. When he finds the truth he demotes Cassio from his position as lieutenant. Iago then suggests that Cassio speak with Desdemona to convince Othello that he is still a good man. Iago tells Roderigo that he has done well to ruin Cassio's name and to be patient to win Desdemona.

Focus Questions __Act II, scene I – Read lines 1 – 204 and answer the following questions__
 * 1) What evidence can you find that the Turkish fleet has been destroyed?
 * 2) If this destruction had happened before Act I would Othello still have won the argument with Brabantio over Desdemona?
 * 3) Does Montano know Othello? If so what does he think of the Moor?
 * 4) In line 75 of the scene Desdemona is described by Cassio as being ‘Left in the conduct of the bold Iago’ From what you learnt in Act I do you find this ironic? (Give reasons)
 * 5) How would you interpret Cassio’s kiss and apology to Iago? What kind of man is Cassio?
 * 6) What kind of married couple are Iago and Emilia? Use evidence from lines 100 – 115 and your own interpretation to write your answer?
 * 7) Iago has a fun and witty conversation with Desdemona. Do you think her good nature will stop him from carrying out his plan on Othello? How does this Iago compare to Act I where he says ‘I hate the Moor.’?

__Act II, scene I – Read lines 204 – 293 and answer the following questions__


 * 1) In your own words describe Iago’s explanation of how Desdemona will love Cassio and not Othello?
 * 2) What is Roderigo being asked to do? Would you do what Iago asked if you were in Roderigo’s position?
 * 3) The last line of the scene states: ‘Knavery’s plain face is never seen till used’ What does this mean and what does Iago intend to do?

__Act II Scene II is only the Heralds proclamation__

__Act II, scene III – Read lines 1 - 127 and answer the following questions__ 1. In line 36 Iago pressurises Cassio into drinking and says: ‘What, Man! ‘Tis a night of revels; the gallants desire it’. Have you ever been pressurised into doing something you did not want to do, perhaps by peer pressure at school? 2. Why do you think that Shakespeare has written; ‘Your Dane, your German and your swag-bellied Hollander – drink, ho! – are nothing to your English.’ Who is he appealing to by writing this passage about drinking? 3. What does Montano now think of Cassio? What does this show you about Iago and his subtle and cunning nature?

__Act II, scene III – Read lines 127 – 302 and answer the following questions__ 4. How did Montano get hurt in the fight? 5. When Othello comes down to see what is happening he says:‘Honest Iago that looks dead with grieving’ (line 158) Compare this to question 4 of Act II Scene I when he is called ‘Bold’. Why is Shakespeare using this language when other characters are describing Iago? 6. Why do you think that Iago pretended to be upset when letting Othello know that Cassio was involved in the fight? (lines 202 - 227) 7. What is Cassio’s punishment for the fight, and how does it fit in with Iago’s plan? 8. How do Iago and Cassio’s opinions on the importance of reputation differ? 9. What are Iago’s motives for suggesting Cassio goes to see Desdemona to win back Othello’s favour? Predict what will happen when he visits her?

__Act II, scene III – Read lines 127 – 302 and answer the following questions__ 10. Iago is letting the audience know of his plot in the soliloquy. Summarise what he means to do in your own words? 11. In the soliloquy Iago says: ‘When devils will the blackest sins put on. They do suggest at first with heavenly shows’ Who is he referring to in this passage? 12. How is Roderigo feeling at this point in the story? What would you do if you were in his position? 13. Do you think that Iago’s plan is going to work, what could go wrong?

To see as Lesson Plan for Act II scene 3 please click on the following link: Act II Lesson Plan